Backflows

Backflow devices protect our clean water supply from contamination. Water normally flows from a municipal water source to fixtures in your home or office. “Backflow” is a plumbing term used to describe any unwanted reversal in the normal flow of water, caused by a sudden change in water pressure. Without proper precautions, this reversal in water flow could contaminate the public water supply or your own drinking water.

Contamination is possible because of cross-connections, actual or potential connections between a public water source and a contaminant. Here are some common examples of cross-connections:

· In tubs, sinks and buckets… Hoses left submerged in swimming pools, tubs, kitchen or laundry sinks, can pull untreated water into your drinking water.

· Through your garden hose… chemical sprayers such as weed killers that are attached to a hose can backflow through your hose into your home’s plumbing system.

· Through your faucet… A faucet submerged in another liquid can be a cross-connection and substances could backflow into your plumbing.